Absolute is a Linux distribution based upon Slackware. It concentrates
on "desktop" use so that it is ready for internet, multimedia, document and
general home use out of the box. Absolute is lightweight -- meaning 2 things: that it
can run on on older hardware and that the OS interface stays out of your way.

It is version-compatible with Slackware so you can use almost any package
from the same version of Slack on Absolute. Development libraries (headers)
for everything installed are always included, so you can code and/or build almost anything from source.

It is what I use all day, every day, and I am very thankful for Linux and
Slackware and I hope others find benefit
from my work on Absolute.

--Paul Sherman

News

Absolute 14.2.2 released

Wednesday, 12/07/2016:

Based on Slackware 14.2

The update is for the 64-bit version.
Updated kernel and Xorg, as well as taking care of security and functional fixes (such as tweaks to pulse audio, network manager, battery management.)
Installer also updated to correct error of sometimes not finding drives for autoinstall.
All Slackware updates in current included and several programs recompiled to keep up with dependency changes.

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Absolute 14.2 released

Monday, 09/18/2016:

Based on Slackware 14.2

Comes in a 32 as well as a 64-bit version.
Same basic functionality, but most everything updated under the hood.
No longer fits on a single CD -- the usual installation method is a USB stick.
With this size-constraint removed, larger apps like LibreOffice and Calibre are now included in the base installation.

Both installers have an "Autoinstall" option, which partition and format your drive.
The 64-bit version will make GPT partitions if you are booting EFI. But just as with Slackware,
you need to turn off Secure Boot in the bios if it is set.

The apps and development libraries are more extensive than previous releases.
If you opt to run the multimedia installer (post-install) you also get Openshot and Handbrake,
in addition to the already installed Asunder, Audacity, Evince, Easytag, Gimp, Inkscape,
pulseaudio-system-wide equalizer, StreamTuner2, ClipGrab...
basically a whole lot of goodies. But without the load of overhead found in many other systems.

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Absolute 14.12 released

Monday, 09/21/2015:

This release is based upon Slackware Current (prior to 14.2 release)

Many of the same apps and features, but recompiled nearly everything
due to newer libraries (especially PNG lib.) Python3 and GTK3 transitions have
begun, I suppose, as both are now available. Extra support packages will be
needed by apps that do use them.

Absolute 14.1 released

Monday, 09/08/2014:

This is a "first" release based upon Slackware Current (post 14.1)

New kernel as well as a slew of updates and fixes.
Jumping back into the distro after a long absence left a lot of loose ends...
I had to make quite a bit of tweaking to get everything to just work.

Hope it helps you get things done!

Absolute 14.10 released

Wednesday, 08/27/2014:

This is a "first" release based upon Slackware 14.1

It's been a long road back, but here it is. Everythibng has caught up to Slackware (x86),
up to and including a recompile with patch for the latest glibc security patch of 20140826.
Even have pulseaudio working to keep the Skypers happy :-)

Base install still fits easily onto a CD. If you want to burn a DVD or, more likely,
plop the iso onto a usb stick -- there is also a "large" version of the ISO,
which includes LibreOffice, the kernel source, calibre, Inkscape, Skype, Artha
dictionary/thesaurus and several developer tools.

Absolute 14.05 released

Sunday, 01/09/2014:

This is a "final" release for the 14.0x series.

As many of you know, I have had serious health issues slowing me down for the last year or so...
but there has been some improvement of late and hopefully this is a trend :-) This release updates everything
neatly before we move onto 14.1, with one nice change:

I tweaked the installer to allow for USB stick installation, so I will be uploading a CD-sized release, as usual,
as well as a "large" iso you can put on a dvd or usb stick that has many of the packages from the Extra
directory, like LibreOffice, Calibre, the kernel source, development tools as well as several other packages.
and weights in at a little over one GB. (See list of additional packages.)

So even if you do not install from DVD or USB, you can download the LARGE iso and have many of the compatible
extra packages at your future disposal.

Absolute 14.04 released

A version bump primariy as an upgrade for laptop power management. (I recieved an older, "broken"
laptop from one of my computer-repair customers that I got working again, so I have something to test on :-)
Also has latest Chrome browser, working screen locker and a few other tweaks...

I know this was too quick for a new release, but having the power management features work out of the box is
kind of a big deal.

Absolute 14.03 released

Tuesday, 01/08/2013:

New kernel, a number of application tweaks and quite a few packages updated for security fixes.
Also made better use of a battery monitor for laptop use,
automatically triggers a system shutdown when power gets low enough...
gives user 60 seconds to cancel if they need more time to finish up.
Fun is fun, but who really needs crashes and file corruption, anyway?

Absolute 14.02 released

Thursday, 11/22/2012:

This release brings some changes to how a user can interact with the system. Previously,
a user had nearly zero access to any administrative tasks on Absolute. Now sudo is being used
(usually through a YAD gui dialog) to perform many unreachable functions. To do so, however,
sudo has been configured to require the root password.

Absolute 14.01 released

Tuesday, 11/06/2012:

Several tweaks to keep things working well after large update to 10.0.

Absolute 14.0 released

Monday, 10/01/2012:

Coincides with the Slackware 14.0 release, keeping in step with libraries, toolchain and basic apps.
Absolute has moved away from udisks to use the lighter spacefm file manager, which takes
advantage of native kernel polling. So as always, Absolute will run fast on modest hardware.
Network manager is taking care of internet connections by default. Java and multimedia add-ons need to be
installed (via system tools, as root) post-installation.

Chrome browser is now the default (taking the place of chromium and/or firefox.) I distribute
the browser with several plugins and the Chrome browser comes with a more up-to-date
flash release than what is available as a generic plugin for Linux machines. If you install the firefox browser
(from Extra/internet) you might want the flash plugin package located there as well. Last note about the
browser -- I had briefly switched to Firefox as the Absolute default, but a couple "hang-ups" made me switch
back to the Google app. Sorry about any confusion. I just like to use whatever works best.

Absolute 13.53 released

Wednesday, 06/06/2012:

Kernel and Xorg updates, as well as new screen-resolution changer (on a per-user basis :),
and multimedia libs update. As well as other changes. LibreOffice is now in "Extra",
due to size constraints. Opened up some room for things like Calibre...

Absolute 13.50 released

Sunday, 03/11/2012:

So many kernel/lib/codec changes since last summer we really needed a new, clean release to make installation
easy again.

Absolute 13.39 released

Monday, 07/18/2011:

Worked on gslapt/slapt-get, for those who like to automate their updates. Kept hacking away at udisks/pcmanfm/libfm --
but still a bit buggy, so somewhat frustrating. Tried Thunar, but gvfs overhead was TOOOO much. Might have to try something else,
maybe rox as primary... IDK. Also replaced mhwavedit with Audacity, tweaked some mime-handling as well as a couple of the utility
scripts and got a better process viewer (qps.)

Absolute 13.38 released

Sunday, 06/19/2011:

New kernel and new perl (and all 25 related per modules... still have to update those on CD2.)
Fixed unmounting problem for users and eliminated the stale mountpoints left in /media for USB sticks, etc.

Absolute 13.37 released

Saturday, 04/30/2011:

Worked the kinks out of new pcmanfm and finished customising to taste...
All libs and other packages are up-to-date with slackware 13.37 release for compatibility.

Absolute 13.2.2 released

Wednesday, 04/27/2011:

Use of HAL has been dropped for newer consolekit/udisks as well as lxde's newer version of pcmanfm. Code changes for the Absolute customizations in libfm and pcmanfm are included in /usr/doc for each package. Devmon replaces halevt to handle DVD and audio CDs. You'll notice edits to .initrc, .bashrc .bash_logout as well as the startup file for icewm reflecting the changes.

Absolute 13.1.6 released

Sunday, 09/012/2010:

Security updates and interface tweaks. Barring any last-minute bug fixing this should be the 13.1.x final.

Absolute 13.1.5 released

Sunday, 09/012/2010:

Security updates including mozilla-nss package, (and Firefox, Seamonkey and Thunderbird on CD2.)
Icewm menu fixes and re-arrangement and AbiWord is back in base install with gtk printing
preview by epdfview (so no more abiWords crashes... right?) Also several package updates
including OpenOffice, Imagemagick, Inkscape, Chromium Browser, and new default sound mixer
- alsamixer-qt4. New script in menu to change screen locker mode and updated find-installed script.

Absolute 13.1.42 released

Friday, 09/03/2010:

Security update main cause for version bump. A few new applications, lots of library package updates
and a wee bit of interface tweaking. Starting to feel like a 13.1.x final.

Absolute 13.1.41 released

Sunday, 08/08/2010:

Multimedia Installer corrected. Want a release not to need a download to correct...
also Chrome browser updated (v6.0.482.0, again compiled on Absolute with gecko-mediaplayer plugin enabled)
and with 2 plugins pre-packaged (PDF reader and extensions buttton.)
Also a slew of updates originating from the Slackware repo.

Absolute 13.1.4 released

Friday, 07/30/2010:

Kernel headers version corrected. "Getting Started" dopcument updated, including
how-to for Nvidia proprietary drivers installation. Also includes several additional multimedia
libraries with better support of WebM. Ffmpeg "free" version included in distribution as default --
version that includes non-free codecs and such is still available for those who feel eligible via the
improved/updated multimedia installer. (Run this as root user -- see "getting started" for details.)

Absolute 13.1.3 released

Saturday, 07/03/2010:

Chromium browser updated, distributed with PDF viewer extension pre-configured, so PDF viewing is a non-issue.
Also a security fix, several programs updated for new icewm menu insertion procedure, geeqie updated to allow
multiple instances, GIMP updated as well as several apps in CD2 directory in repositories. AbsChart
(pie chart maker) back in Graphics menu .

Absolute 13.1.2 released

Tuesday, 06/08/2010:

Chrome replaces Firefox as default browser. Lower memory usage, faster rendering and proper URL parsing all contributed
to this decision. Firefox package is still up to date and in CD2 directory of repos under /internet. Also
several security-related updates as well as multimedia installer update (needed updated url.) Also updated rox-archiver to handle
.deb files (to unpack, not install...)

Note the Google-Chrome is a native Absolute build with blacklisting of gecko-mediaplayer plugin REMOVED. This means the
plugin works. Was blacklisted by Google coders due to crashing complaints, but I have tested extensively
and have not experienced these issues, so I'm watching videos :)

Absolute 13.1.1 released

Tuesday, 06/08/2010:

New kernel, and a boatload of updates from Slackware. ALMOST replaced Firefox with Google-Chrome (which I am really liking...)
but due to endless "upl;oad" bug , that keeps crashing Chrome when you try to upload a file, it'll be in the CD2 directory
for testing/playing.

Absolute 13.1.0 released

Wednesday, 03/17/2010:

Should be 14.0 due to new kernel, new Xorg, new GCC, new GTK... but we follow Slackware versioning for compatability.
Kernel is 2.6.33, Xorg is 1.7.5.

Absolute 13.0.9 released

Saturday, 02/06/2010:

k3b (kde3 version) reinstated

Deps for this along wioth additional user-submitted theme included. Just got tired of problematic CD burning,
deciding, finally, that enough was enough. We'll use something that works.

Absolute 13.0.8 released

Tuesday, 02/02/2010:

Multimedia Installer fix

Only a few packages changed, but the multimedia installer was not properly updated and this could lead to some confusion
and lack of functionality for users who chose to install the media enhancements.

Absolute 13.0.7 released

Sunday, 01/31/2010:

Kernel bump

Lots of updates to sync with Slackware-current and some multimedia scripts updated to
keep pace with new kernel device nomeclature. Turned out a lot less painful than expected...
Brasero (CD Burning) is back. DVDStyler added. Aside from kernel a lot of multimedia
capabilities were updated and tweaked.

Also removed Brasero (CD Burning) as it is too dependent upon Gnome and switched to simpler xfburn.
Has a few xfce-related dependencies but these are small and also allow easier development for users
if they want to use the libraries. You may also notice that wxGTK libraries are in the base install,
used by the the chm help viewer and also support Audacity, now compiled and sitting on CD2 in the
multimedia folder.

Absolute 13.0.4 released

Wednesday, 11/18/2009:

Several security updates, updated libs and beginnnings of internationalizing the custom scripts
and apps that are part of Absolute (thanks to GALPon MiniNo Developers Team.) In addition a new utility
to change language/keymap from a GUI utility.

Avidemux now in base install, epdfview replaces xpdf, AbiWord now comes with collaboration plugin with
proper support to create online accounts.

Absolute 13.0.3 released

Sunday, 10/18/2009:

New Perl, new PIM/calendar:

and some additional interface scripting/tweaking.

This is the nice, peaceful, usabillity-improving portion of development.
Really very pleasant. Good time for other developers to hop in?

Absolute 13.0.2 released

Thursday, 09/24/2009:

Gtk themes in, K3B and KDE libs out:

Brasero has replaced K3B and kdelibs, kdemultimedia and arts have all been removed. Gtk themes
have been implimented and are changeable via customized gtk-chtheme utility. While we are
staying away from the heavy integrated environments, we can still get our lightweight apps
to look good and coordinate with each other... changing Gtk theme also changes icewm theme,
desktop background (in pcmanfm) and window background for ROX-Filer.

So far there are themes of clearlooks, warm, gray and black. Any contribs most welcome.
For background info, check out the /usr/local/bin/settheme script. It is called from
gtk-chtheme and the script lets you know exactly what files are being used.

Absolute 13.0.1 released

Saturday, 09/12/2009:

Bug fix release corrects two issues:

Add user utility corrected (had failed to start due to importing module that is no longer used.)

New auto-start daemon (for audio CDs, movie DVDs and PTP cameras) installed to replace non-working ivman.
New app is halevt. New user/group needs changed to accommodate this daemon as well as icewm startup
changed, and gdm updated to kill daemon between graphical logins (.bash_logout if not.)

Absolute 13.0 released

Thursday, 09/10/2009:

Kernel tweaked, bugs squashed, interface oiled.
It's all good.

Couple screens, high and low-end:

Core2, 2GB RAM

Celeron 500, 128mb RAM

...despite what memory usage some folks may mention, the old Dell on the right at 128mb of RAM is quite capable,
even with shared video memory, of running apps as memory-hungry as Firefox without disk-thrashing. While the speed
of such hardware might not be acceptable to some, if all you have available for a machine is comparable to the
Dell, you will most certainly be able to run Absolute Linux, take advantage of all the latest, greatest software
and not have to worry about lockups or stability issues.

I ALWAYS test on older machine(s) -- that's a big part of what Absolute is about . . .

(Image photoshoped Gimped by Paul.)

Absolute 13.0.RC4 released

Wednesday, 08/07/2009:

New xorg server and several updated X module packages, updated SVG handling preference in firefox-3.5.2
(due to lockups in default 3.5.2 release), a few other updated libs.

Absolute 13.0.RC3 released

Wednesday, 08/05/2009:

UI tweaks, persistent text clipboard daemon (very lightweight),
new keyboard keymap setting utility, Geany is now default text
editor (replacing Nedit) both due to increased utility and fact
that the app is UTF-8 aware. Nedit still installed but will likely
be phased out. Other package updates keep pace with Slackware. This
should be the final release candidate, but no promises; fingers
crossed for 13.0.

Absolute 13.0.RC2 released

Tuesday, 06/30/2009:

Midori installed from main ISO, option to change to default in control panel. New KDE libs (in support of new K3B), a large number of interface tweaks, mostly to do with filetype handling. Seems pretty stable, looking for bug reports.

Absolute 13.0.RC1 released

Wednesday, 06/23/2009:

Pre-release that includes fixes for slapt-get and wicd, addition of a control panel, centralizing control and eliminating the sometimes-confusing utilities menus. Big updates to Midori and inkscape on repositories (under /CD2). New theme, new logon, QT4 up and running several new applications along with QT4-based K3B. Overall a more cohesive look and simpler navigation. Wanted a release candidate so that 13.0 will not necessitate updates -- also wanted to have feedback on whether Midori is functional enough to become the default browser. (It uses about 1/3 the memory of Firefox in my tests.)

Absolute 12.2.5 released

Friday, 06/05/2009:

New kernel, new package format, new python

Every single package has been at least re-packed, majority modified/updated.
Interface updated along with kernel, python, packaging system which is now txz-based and
due to higher compression the main release contains much more than previously: OpenOffice and
Java, as well as many other applications now fit on a single CD.
Pcmanfm and rox have both been modified to seamlessly work with the TXZ package archives as well as
the new "Add/Remove Programs" item in root menu. New volume control (now in system tray, sleeker.)
New theme, more complete file type handling.

Absolute 12.2.4 released

Tuesday, 04/21/2009:

This release brings QT4/KDE4 libs

Updates to K3B, smplayer based upon this. Plus a large number of additions and updates.
Several programs moved to CD2 or /extra.

Absolute 12.2.3 released

Monday, 03/23/2009: new (and slightly) improved.

This release brings kernel-2.6.28.8, (seeing how Slackware updated their kernel
the day after our last release. Bad luck, there.) Only a few other changes. New
freetype and cairo working fine, when I first updated I must have ended up with a
corrupt download or a bad burn on a disc -- because I had trouble at first but smooth
sailing since.

Updated GIMP (with all the extra scripts and brushes), updated netconfig to automatically
restart inet1. Updated WordNet dictionary to version 3.0 (changing run script so no
environmental variable needs to be set.) Added SciTE editor and Secret maryo Chronicals
game to CD2.

Absolute 12.2.2 released

Wednesday, 03/18/2009: Grab it from the downloads page.

This release brings kernel-2.6.28.7, autoinstall defaults to ext4 filesystem.
(Regular install allows for ext3 and reiserfs as well.)
The kernel, for now, is the Slackware hugesmp, so it is Slackware "stock"
Waiting feedback if users like this or would rather get specific cofiguration
tweaked. The large number of changes along with imminent bump in Xorg led me
to go with the flow for now in order to expidite and allow easier input
from Slack-compatible repositories.

In addition to the new kernel there was a very large number of application as well
as library updates -- so installing via update/gslapt is not advised. Only real interface
tweaks were making sure ROX-Filer did not run pinboard even when set not to (this saved us
a bit of memory usage) and if you switch from netcofig or manual network setup to wicd
usage the rc.inet1.conf automatically gets reset at boot -- so you won't get confused or
have to tweak your configuration.

Absolute 12.2.1 released

Thursday, 01/08/2009: Grab it from the downloads page.

This release updates several major programs due to security issues.
This includes Firefox, Thunderbird, Samba, Seamonkey and Pidgin. Pidgin also
updated to correctly configure notification/alert sounds. Updates also
enable auto-start of PTP cameras (like Canon), updated GIMP and GIMP-help
(help on CD2 zip) and updated wicd (for wired and wireless connection management.)
Plus a few others...

Absolute 12.2.0 released

Sunday, 12/14/2008:

Uploading to both repositories along with SourceForge caused quite a delay -- so I just
ordered the "turbo" version of RoadRunner (my ISP) to try to speed things up,
but I did this last year and it did not help much. They claim better upload speeds now,
so we shall see...

absolutelinux.org

Tuesday, 12/09/2008: switched from being parked on personal homepage to this site.

Repository obained

Friday, 11/14/2008: Many, many thanks go out to Darren Austin of slackware.org.uk
for providing us with the package repository. this has enable a sane release schedule as well
as the ability to set up gslapt/slapt-get within the distribution to facilitate updating
in a simple and reasonable fashion.